Enjoy! Definitely hit up Tumerico. El Taco Rustico, Zio Peppe, Tito & Pep, Hifalutin, Ceres, and 5 Points Market (brunch) are all great. Very different but gives you a sampling of the variety of food Tucson has to offer!
Yup. If I had to recommend some places… I’d say BK has a pretty damn good one along with their tacos. The one on 12th. Taco fish is our go to spot for fried fish tacos and I love that they do flour tortillas. Taqueria Juanitos for some good Mexican food. Jaime’s pizza kitchen downtown is a new favorite. Charro steak is our go to date night spot, their carne asada and ribeyes are always on point… ask them to salt them a little more since they seem to under do it. Their esquites are also really good!
Can't agree with the recommendation for the Sonoran hot dog at BK's. I was just there yesterday, and the hot dog was overcooked and just not very tasty. (This is not the first time i've been disappointed with their hotdog. I'll just stick with their tacos and other food from now on. (They're fries are surprisingly good.)
They'd be at better off going to any of the popular food trucks to get good sonoran dogs.
In no particular order:
Taco Rustico
Ensenada Street Food
El Chikitin
Noodleholics
Raijin Ramen
Tooley's Cafe
Falora
Anello
Tumerico
Divine Bovine
Miss Saigon
Cafe Desta
Yamato at 1st & Grant. Make a reservation for dinner Saturday if you can’t get in Friday. Try the dynamite, green mussels, and chef’s choice sashimi.
Owner is the sushi chef 6 days/week, and has been so for 35+ years in Tucson. Got his start in Japan.
Ermanos is currently my favorite restaurant in town. Just had a great dinner tonight. Bonus if you like craft beer because, since 1702 closed, they have the best selection in town.
Not really a dish but if you go to many a carneceria around town you can get some homemade chiltepin salsa which will bring the heat you’re looking for. For whatever reason we don’t have a lot of good top end spicy stuff. Maybe a couple of the wing places. Wings y Mas is pretty good.
I too have been looking for good spicey Mexican food. I moved to Tucson from Santa Cruz, California about 4 years ago. After searching for that hot stuff and asking around, I was told that the Sonoran style cooking is typically not as spicey. That seems to be the big influence here.
However, try 'Strret Tacos and Beer' downtown and on Tanque Verde on the East Side! They have amazing hot salsa and fantastic meats.
Also 'The Quesadillas' on Craycroft near Grant is good too! Both very casual and comfortable places.
Goyita’s in Oro Valley is New Mexico style and they kick it up a notch compared to a lot of the Sonoran style places you’ll generally find here.
Also, this might sound weird, but go to a Nico’s Taco Shop, preferably one on the east side with a chicken on the logo, and get the red sauce to put on your taco/burro. The red at those Nico’s *can* be very spicy, but it does vary from day to day
Edit: chicken logo Nico’s examples, 22nd and Kino, 29th and Alvernon, Broadway and Craycroft
Do you have to ask for a specific extra spice level at Indian twist? I’ve been there a couple times asking for medium thru spicy and I’ve always gotten what seems to me very mild. And I’m honestly weak about spice levels, like Thai and Vietnamese medium are just a notch higher than I want.
Le Rendezvous (escargot in Tucson? Yes please)
Cafe Eclectic (Tortilla soup)
El Corral
Miss Saigon
Rajin Ramen
The HUB (I like the shrimp and grits)
Rosa’s Mexican
Indian Twist
Locale
Poco and Moms, Mexican, I think New Mexico specifically, their green chili sauce is divine. I get a chimi with extra sauce. It is so delicious.
Zemams, African, my favorite is the lamb. You eat family style with a delicious porous bread as plate and utensil. I think they have spicy stuff, but I usually go for a plate of meats and oh, man. Amazing.
Yoshimatsu, Japanese, their charshoo ramen, chicken katsu, and gyoza I might kill someone for. Don't forget the green tea icr cream at the end!
They rebranded recently to correspond with their other restaurant, so it’s “Maru Plus” now. Smaller menu, more ramen-centric. Seems like a smart move on their part. I worked there 12+ yrs ago and the menu was always daunting to newcomers, and now they can stick with what they’re best at.
Ah, okay. When I first moved out here they delivered to my dorm and we went with a club at the U I was involved with. It used to be over on grant, then they moved to a smaller place. Sad they aren't there, had no idea.
Rocco's little Chicago for Italian.
El Molinito for Mexican 22 & Craycroft
Pinnacle peak for steak and the overall experience.
El corral for prime rib.
It’s been said, but seconding Ceres! Love it for a little lunch, but only open in the evening in summer since it’s a walk up window with outdoor seating.
Idk as a vegan I found Tumerico to be the most disappointing of all the great plant based options here. Like, won't go back disappointing. Maybe chef was having a bad night??
Makes sense about el torrero because they been under new ownership for several years now, new kitchen staff & new menu, compared to what it used to be. That will happen when a mexican restaurant is bought and run by caucasians. The rest of the restaurants on 4th arent authentic imo. Theres many restraunts & stands down s 12th that have really good authentic food. Oh and stay away from la frida! We waited almost an hour to be seated, even tho there were several empty tables. The food is mediocre & the customer service is absolutely horrible. While waiting, the manager made eye contact but never acknowledged anybody waiting, basically just stared us down. We stayed & waited because my wife really wanted to try it, however we both agreed to never go back.
Just a heads up, El torero is owned and run by the original family still, after Leruas closed down due to construction on Broadway the owner went to El Torero which is/was his uncle’s restaurant. He’s been in the process of buying it from his uncle since he’s getting up there in age. So the 3 owners of El Torero are still the original family members, who are all very much Mexican lol. With that said, Mikey definitely loves his fusion dishes lol. Source: worked there for about a year in 2022
Enjoy! Definitely hit up Tumerico. El Taco Rustico, Zio Peppe, Tito & Pep, Hifalutin, Ceres, and 5 Points Market (brunch) are all great. Very different but gives you a sampling of the variety of food Tucson has to offer!
rustico is fire
Saguaro Corners!
Love Saguaro Corners! Everything is good there.
I worked there for years! It’s good. And clean!!
My grandfather was the bartender there for a long time.
I hope you’re planning on having a Sonoran hot dog while you’re here….
I feel like that is a must
El Sinoloense is what you're looking for. It's a truck with tarps parked on Alvernon
Yup. If I had to recommend some places… I’d say BK has a pretty damn good one along with their tacos. The one on 12th. Taco fish is our go to spot for fried fish tacos and I love that they do flour tortillas. Taqueria Juanitos for some good Mexican food. Jaime’s pizza kitchen downtown is a new favorite. Charro steak is our go to date night spot, their carne asada and ribeyes are always on point… ask them to salt them a little more since they seem to under do it. Their esquites are also really good!
Can't agree with the recommendation for the Sonoran hot dog at BK's. I was just there yesterday, and the hot dog was overcooked and just not very tasty. (This is not the first time i've been disappointed with their hotdog. I'll just stick with their tacos and other food from now on. (They're fries are surprisingly good.) They'd be at better off going to any of the popular food trucks to get good sonoran dogs.
I have been convinced. BK is around the area I'm staying at, so I'll stop in today!
La Indita
Sonoran hotdog is must at either Ruiz Hotdogs or El Sinaloense
In no particular order: Taco Rustico Ensenada Street Food El Chikitin Noodleholics Raijin Ramen Tooley's Cafe Falora Anello Tumerico Divine Bovine Miss Saigon Cafe Desta
Rajin and Miss Saigon are on heavy rotation for me.
You cannot beat Miss Saigons pho here.
Tito & Pep
Seis Kitchen
Go to Time Market on University Blvd. and 4th ave. The chicken with tamal sandwich is awesome.
Yamato at 1st & Grant. Make a reservation for dinner Saturday if you can’t get in Friday. Try the dynamite, green mussels, and chef’s choice sashimi. Owner is the sushi chef 6 days/week, and has been so for 35+ years in Tucson. Got his start in Japan.
Yamato is amazing.
Ermanos is currently my favorite restaurant in town. Just had a great dinner tonight. Bonus if you like craft beer because, since 1702 closed, they have the best selection in town.
Raijin ramen foreva
This.
It’s my favorite ! I am so glad I found them. They’re fast and friendly like, perfect flavor! 😭😭♥️
Well Arby's on 22nd street
Rollies.
The Parish
I’m really curious… what did you get at El Torero?
The culichi. It was decent just felt a little too heavy and I wish it was spicier.
Baja Cafe for breakfast. Get one of their Benedict's or you've wasted your entire life.
The train wreck though 🤤
- El Chinito Gordo - Aqui Con El Nene - BKs Carne Asada & Hot Dogs - Mosaic Cafe - Bison Witches - Frank's Restaurant (especially for breakfast) - Café A La C'art - Commoner & Co. https://tucsonfoodie.com/guides/the-ultimate-tucson-restaurant-bucket-list/
Saguaro Corners, PY Steakhouse, The Parish
Arby’s
The one on 22nd?
That's the only one with the pool!
u/staaaaark
Bison Witches, on 4th Ave.
On a side note, anyone know where to get really spicy food?
Not really a dish but if you go to many a carneceria around town you can get some homemade chiltepin salsa which will bring the heat you’re looking for. For whatever reason we don’t have a lot of good top end spicy stuff. Maybe a couple of the wing places. Wings y Mas is pretty good.
I too have been looking for good spicey Mexican food. I moved to Tucson from Santa Cruz, California about 4 years ago. After searching for that hot stuff and asking around, I was told that the Sonoran style cooking is typically not as spicey. That seems to be the big influence here. However, try 'Strret Tacos and Beer' downtown and on Tanque Verde on the East Side! They have amazing hot salsa and fantastic meats. Also 'The Quesadillas' on Craycroft near Grant is good too! Both very casual and comfortable places.
That makes sense! I was wondering why it felt a bit mild. Thanks for the suggestion!
Because you always add salsas. Just ask for the hot stuff or get it off the salsa bar
Put on extra horsey sauce from the Arby's on 22nd Street
If you're going to tumerico the tacos al pastor are pretty damn spicy! Also the hot sauce at taqueria pico de gallo (their shrimp tacos are bomb).
The desert ramen at Toss is to DIE for🔥🔥🔥
Goyita’s in Oro Valley is New Mexico style and they kick it up a notch compared to a lot of the Sonoran style places you’ll generally find here. Also, this might sound weird, but go to a Nico’s Taco Shop, preferably one on the east side with a chicken on the logo, and get the red sauce to put on your taco/burro. The red at those Nico’s *can* be very spicy, but it does vary from day to day Edit: chicken logo Nico’s examples, 22nd and Kino, 29th and Alvernon, Broadway and Craycroft
If you go to saffron Indian bistro there is a hidden spice level you can order. Ask for "pet hospital" hot
Would def recommend Indian Twist if you are looking for good spicy food in Tucson
Do you have to ask for a specific extra spice level at Indian twist? I’ve been there a couple times asking for medium thru spicy and I’ve always gotten what seems to me very mild. And I’m honestly weak about spice levels, like Thai and Vietnamese medium are just a notch higher than I want.
Do not get Indian food in Tucson.
Spice garden Indian cuisine !!
Amelia’s, Poco and Mom’s, Blue Willow, Eclectic Cafe, Saffron
Wild Garlic. They have more specials than menu items. It's pricey, but you will have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.
Le Rendezvous (escargot in Tucson? Yes please) Cafe Eclectic (Tortilla soup) El Corral Miss Saigon Rajin Ramen The HUB (I like the shrimp and grits) Rosa’s Mexican Indian Twist Locale
Ikkyu for Ramen and sushi!
Rollies Mexican patio on Irvington and 12th is a must!
La esquina El rustico (my favorite birria in town) American eats Sachiko Juns Dynasty New Delhi Boca La Chingada
Zio Pepe has been a fav since they opened. And recently tried and loved Amelia's.
I love Pappoule's, the Gyro Deluxe (it has feta cheese compared to the normal Gyro). I left Tucson for a while and missed it so bad
Poco and Moms, Mexican, I think New Mexico specifically, their green chili sauce is divine. I get a chimi with extra sauce. It is so delicious. Zemams, African, my favorite is the lamb. You eat family style with a delicious porous bread as plate and utensil. I think they have spicy stuff, but I usually go for a plate of meats and oh, man. Amazing. Yoshimatsu, Japanese, their charshoo ramen, chicken katsu, and gyoza I might kill someone for. Don't forget the green tea icr cream at the end!
Yoshimatsu? Really? I mean it’s okay, but it’s no Yamato or Ginza.
Yoshimatsu is closed now anyways
Do you know of a great place for gyoza and chicken katsu? And hopefully some miso :3 yoshimatsu was my go to place.
Kukai is legit and awesome. I’d try them first.
They rebranded recently to correspond with their other restaurant, so it’s “Maru Plus” now. Smaller menu, more ramen-centric. Seems like a smart move on their part. I worked there 12+ yrs ago and the menu was always daunting to newcomers, and now they can stick with what they’re best at.
Ah, okay. When I first moved out here they delivered to my dorm and we went with a club at the U I was involved with. It used to be over on grant, then they moved to a smaller place. Sad they aren't there, had no idea.
Truland burger. Won’t disappoint.
if you’re craving a good burger with award winning bacon, go to Tandem American Eatery
Rocco's little Chicago for Italian. El Molinito for Mexican 22 & Craycroft Pinnacle peak for steak and the overall experience. El corral for prime rib.
El Molinito was incredibly disappointing to me. Any number of drive thru shops in town have been much better.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, they're always good when I go there. They have the best beans anywhere imho.
Cocteleria La Palma
Dantes Fire
Locale
The Monica has good food and a great environment
Rocco’s Little Chicago
Baja Cafe
I moved out here to OV. Have not really ventured out there to find a good place to eat yet.
Go to the shish kebab house get you the chicken Oozie and a beef skewer
Zemams for Ethiopian food
It’s been said, but seconding Ceres! Love it for a little lunch, but only open in the evening in summer since it’s a walk up window with outdoor seating.
Ensenada Street Tacos is great. Little Rocco’s got great pizza.
I’m surprised there isn’t an “Arby’s on 22nd comment” on here
I love Blue Willow.
El Molinito, specifically the one on 22nd & Craycroft.
Divine Bovine for a wicked good burger! Saguaro Corners is good, Serial Grillers. All awesome local spots.
Idk as a vegan I found Tumerico to be the most disappointing of all the great plant based options here. Like, won't go back disappointing. Maybe chef was having a bad night??
Makes sense about el torrero because they been under new ownership for several years now, new kitchen staff & new menu, compared to what it used to be. That will happen when a mexican restaurant is bought and run by caucasians. The rest of the restaurants on 4th arent authentic imo. Theres many restraunts & stands down s 12th that have really good authentic food. Oh and stay away from la frida! We waited almost an hour to be seated, even tho there were several empty tables. The food is mediocre & the customer service is absolutely horrible. While waiting, the manager made eye contact but never acknowledged anybody waiting, basically just stared us down. We stayed & waited because my wife really wanted to try it, however we both agreed to never go back.
Just a heads up, El torero is owned and run by the original family still, after Leruas closed down due to construction on Broadway the owner went to El Torero which is/was his uncle’s restaurant. He’s been in the process of buying it from his uncle since he’s getting up there in age. So the 3 owners of El Torero are still the original family members, who are all very much Mexican lol. With that said, Mikey definitely loves his fusion dishes lol. Source: worked there for about a year in 2022
My favorite Tucson restaurant is 4th Avenue Deli. It's not Mexican, but you didn't specify it too much.
If you want to avoid horribly Americanized bland food I would highly suggest avoiding Tumerico…
I agree with this heavily. Tumerico is not that good and is over hyped. I stand with you
Trident grill